Tongaat School under fire after 'violent bullying' incident

A GRADE 8 pupil at Buffelsdale Secondary School, in Tongaat, was brutally beaten in an alleged bullying incident involving a 'toilet gang'.

It has been alleged that the gang charges a fee for pupils to use the toilet.

The incident was exposed on social media by a concerned relative after the victim’s mother alerted him to what had happened to her son.

Last week, the Tongaat school was under the spotlight for the right reasons after it obtained a 100% pass rate in the 2024 matric exams.

On Thursday, Deon Reddy took to Facebook where he said he had received “disheartening news” of a bullying incident that had transpired at Buffelsdale Secondary.

“This bullying was against a first year pupil with bottles/intimidation and being outnumbered. Please parents of this school ask your kids about this so-called ‘toilet gang’ and what it entails?

“For those that want to know, it's a fee that must be paid in order to use the facility. So today's incident didn't stop within school hours. This altercation started from the school gate ending at the railway section (shortcut),” said Reddy in his rant on the Tongaat And All group on Facebook.

He said he had been told about the incident by the distressed victim's mother and he decided to make it public knowledge.

“I advised the family to also open a case with the police which they have done and to obtain an injury report from the clinic,” said Reddy

He said the victim had said that the fight had been videoed but those who had the video were afraid to come forward.

“The fight is recorded. There are even witnesses. He was outnumbered in the fight and had no chance. His injuries are also serious and include a locked jaw. The beating was uncalled for. He was innocent. But this bullying isn’t new for the school,” claimed Reddy.

He said the bullying first happened at 10am at the school, where the teachers were aware of the situation and then after school.

“These bullies have done this before. It's a recurring issue that the school should have records of. The teachers knew everything. They even picked up the victim from the railway line and brought him back to school,” alleged Reddy.

He said the victim's parents were upset that they had not been informed about the bullying by the school.

“His brother, who had gone to fetch him, tried to intervene. But they still beat the victim. There were also many onlookers. I posted the story because this situation is serious. I don’t want any more teens committing suicide over bullying. This needs to be taken seriously by the school and the community.

“Being outnumbered and beaten is something no parent wants for their kids. This is one of many reasons why we hear about suicide amongst our teenagers. We need to stop shielding our kids that are part of bullying and be people with common sense to teach them better," said Reddy.

The victim's family is expected to have a meeting with Tongaat SAPS, the principal and teachers today.

The principal Ravendra Singh, declined to comment to the POST.

But he commented on social media in response to Reddy’s post.

“Dear readers, your concerns are well placed. The matter has been referred for police investigation, a disciplinary hearing has been scheduled. Such behaviour, as was reported, will not be tolerated.

“Due process will definitely be followed. The outcome may not necessarily be published as children need to be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes, develop and grow into rehabilitated citizens. Rest assured that we will act in the best interests of our children. Bullying will not find a space at our institution. Thank you once again for being concerned,” Singh’ response read.

Rachel Govender, the SGB chairperson, said because the matter was under investigation she was unable to comment.

POST